Having been involved in the Canterbury Festival Young Musicians’ Bursary Competition for several years, both as a junior and as a competitor, I have heard many inspiring performances across a wide variety of instruments, which motivated me to keep pursuing my dream. I love the competition because it is an event that combines musical excellence with a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and the feedback each year has helped me to improve in all areas of my playing.

Winning the competition this year was a real honour. This was an experience that I will never forget. The timing of the Festival was perfect because it gave me a real confidence boost just before my conservatoire auditions commenced. These have been going well with offers received from everywhere I have auditioned and some more scheduled before Christmas. Ironically, due to the varying audition requirements for the conservatoires, I haven’t had the chance to perform either of the two pieces I performed in the Canterbury Festival and I’d love the opportunity to perform them.

Thomas Hall, Young Musicians’ Bursary Competition Winner 2022